Daylight Savings Changes and Your Computer
New Zealand Daylight Savings Changes and Your Computer
Your body clock may not be the only timekeeper confused by changes to Daylight Savings in 2007. Find out what extended Daylight Savings hours could mean for your computer software and operating system.
New Zealand Daylight Savings changes and your computer
We all know that Daylight Savings mean longer days under the golden summer sun, but did you know that changes to daylight savings in 2007 could mean headaches for your computer?
Daylight Savings is extended
This year daylight savings begins one week earlier than normal, at 2:00am on September 30th 2007, and ends two weeks later than usual, at 3:00am on April 6th 2008. A number of regions around the world (including the US and Canada) are adopting an extended Daylight Savings period.
What does this mean for my computer?
While your body clock is adjusting, your computer's internal timekeeper may also be getting confused and fail to make the time change on the correct date (usually this is automated). This problem may affect:
- Computer operating systems
- Servers
- Databases
- Business software
- Backup systems
- Hardware devices
- Mobile phones
- Other digital devices
Home and business users may face problems, as time-sensitive applications fail. For home users, this will mean your computer will show the incorrect time for the added Daylight Savings period. One of the most common problems encountered will be with Outlook, used by many businesses, organisations and individuals to schedule meetings and appointments. For banks, trading companies and travel businesses, the impact could be great, as business services are disrupted and schedules thrown out.
How can I make sure my computer is updated?
The good news, though, is that this problem can be easily fixed if users are pro-active in their approach to the issue. Microsoft has said it expects forty of its applications to be affected, and has released a number of free patches to correct the time zone problem on computers and servers. Every server, desktop, laptop and PDA will need to be updated so that the time during the extended Daylight Savings period is correct.
Some new systems, including Windows Vista and Office 2007, have a 'fix' built in. Older systems running Windows 2000 and Windows 98 (which are no longer supported by Microsoft) will need to be manually adjusted. Get in touch with your IT professional today to find out what you need to do.
Here are some useful resources to help keep you informed on Daylight Savings changes:
- Official word on Daylight Savings changes from the Department of Internal Affairs
- Microsoft overview of Daylight Savings changes in New Zealand
- Microsoft information for consumers
- Microsoft information for IT professionals
- Microsoft guide to making Daylight Savings changes
- Software support and information from IBM
- Software support and information from Hewlett Packard
- Operating system support for Apple user
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand computer consultants in the NZS.com directory.
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